Giro stage hat-trick for Cavendish

Mark Cavendish produced a superb sprint to claim his third stage win in the 2012 Giro d'Italia.

The long, straight finish was always likely to play to Cavendish's strengths and such was his superiority that he was able to switch and step off the gas for a second before powering to win with ease from Alexander Kristoff and Mark Renshaw.

There was no change in the general classification following the stage into Cervere, with Joaquin Rodriguez retaining his leader's pink jersey - while Cavendish edged further ahead of Matthew Goss in the bid for the points jersey.

Cavendish is likely to disappear from view, as the Giro enters some serious mountains at the weekend - which is where Rodriguez will look to demonstrate his credentials as a potential winner.